metamorphic, a.
(mɛtəˈmɔːfɪk)
[irreg. f. Gr. µετα- meta-1 + µορϕή form + -ic: suggested by metamorphosis. Cf. F. métamorphique.]
1. a. Characterized by or exhibiting metamorphosis or change of form.
| 1816 G. S. Faber Orig. Pagan Idol. III. 114 The more complex metamorphic transmigration, by which the same human soul was thought to pass successively through the bodies of animals. 1870 Lowell Among my Bks. Ser. i. (1873) 195 How futile is any attempt at a cast-iron definition of those perpetually metamorphic impressions of the beautiful. |
b. in scientific uses (
cf. metamorphosis 3).
| 1850 Fraser's Mag. XLI. 656 The first sight of it suggests the presence of a salamander in a metamorphic stage. 1876 tr. H. von Ziemssen's Cycl. Med. V. 542 When the cavities have become larger,..we not infrequently hear also, what has been described by Seitz as metamorphic respiration. 1882 W. Saville-Kent Infusoria II. 870 Metamorphic, changeable in form. |
2. Geol. Pertaining to, characterized by or formed by metamorphism. Of a rock or rock-formation: That has undergone transformation by means of heat, pressure, or natural agencies. Also as
n. (usu. pl.), a metamorphic rock.
| 1833 Lyell Princ. Geol. III. 375 For these last [sc. altered stratified rocks] the term ‘metamorphic’ (from µετα, trans, and µορϕη, form) may be used. 1862 Whewell in Life (1881) 528, I was not much in the Geological Section [of the Brit. Assoc.], and do not know if they had there any discussion of metamorphic doctrines. 1865 Page Geol. Terms s.v., It is usual to restrict the term ‘Metamorphic System’ to those crystalline schists—Gneiss, Quartz-rock, Mica-schist, and Clay-slate—which underlie all the fossiliferous strata. 1881 King & Rowney Old Chapter Geol. Rec. 49 The rocks of the locality are well-bedded metamorphics. 1923 Univ. of Toronto Studies, Geol. Ser. xvi. 7 A few blocks of the same granite were observed along with metamorphics like those seen in the till. 1970 N.Z. Jrnl. Geol. & Geophysics XIII. 72 Piroutet..regarded all the metamorphics as pre-Cambrian rocks. |
| transf. 1845 Darwin Voy. Nat. xv. (1873) 325 In frozen snow the columnar structure must be owing to a ‘metamorphic’ action, not to a process during deposition. 1861 Max Müller Sci. Lang. 42 In Sanskrit..what remains is a kind of metamorphic agglomerate which cannot be understood without a most minute microscopic analysis. |
3. That causes metamorphism or metamorphosis.
| 1853 Carpenter Hum. Physiol. (ed. 4) 48 This metamorphic action of the liver would seem to be influenced by conditions of the nervous system. 1882 Geikie Text-bk. Geol. iv. viii. 571 Rocks..altered by the action of percolating water or other daily acting metamorphic agent. 1892 Ld. Lytton King Poppy Epil. 132 Nor all your metamorphic philtres. |